MyndVR improves its VR platform for the elderly

Nearly two years ago to the day, we first wrote about MyndVR. It’s a VR platform designed for use by elderly people, giving them a raft of content to enjoy, like a Frank Sinatra tribute show. This week, though, MyndVR is expanding its mission with the help of HTC.

The company is now rolling out MyndVR 2.0 in partnership with HTC’s Vive X accelerator. The company joined the initiative back in January. Whereas previous versions of MyndVR were used on mobile-based headsets, this latest edition runs on HTC’s standalone VR kit, Vive Focus. The device is Mynd-branded and comes with a tablet that can control VR experiences, for the user by carers.

MyndVR mainly consists of 360 video content, so it won’t take advantage of Vive Focus’ positional tracking. Using a standalone device rather than a headset that requires a smartphone is, however, much more convenient.

“The ease-of-use with HTC Vive’s Focus enhances the user-experience and helps provide a world of immersive content for seniors who are no longer able to physically travel,” co-founder Chris Brickler said in a prepared statement. “We are lifting the spirits of our elders and taking them far from the four walls of their care communities.”

It’s a curated platform, one that its founders envision as a sort of Netflix of VR content for a certain demographic. MyndVR doesn’t make this content itself but instead partners with the likes of Disney to purpose existing 360 degree content for the platform.